Click here to pick up a copy of the study guide at Amazon.

Looking for other posts in this study? Click here for the table of contents.

In Genesis 25, we read about Esau selling his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew, and as you know, this impulsive decision affected his future. His story reflects something we all grapple with: the conflict between short-term desires and the pursuit of long-term spiritual goals. We all know the value of investing in our spiritual growth, yet we find ourselves distracted by immediate gratifications that seem more pressing in the moment.

I used to wonder why it seemed that everyone had an obsession of some sort—a fascination, or a need that inspired the way they played house. Then I came to the understanding that the hand of our Maker has woven pursuit through each one of our souls in hopes that we might turn that hunger to Him. The Bible tell us, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”  (Mark 12:30, NIV)

And we do love Him, but we love the low price of beef more, so we run to the market with meatloaf on our mind, all the while telling ourselves that God doesn’t mind waiting—we’ll talk to Him later. And, hopefully we do, but too often we don’t, because we heard that the mall was having a sale, and so we run once again…

Hunger, pursuit, fascination, obsession, and desire–all passions I’ve replaced with the things of this world, when what I really needed was Him.

Karissa shared an example this week that many of us can relate to—hours of screen time at the expense of time spent with God. It’s easy to let short-term distractions overshadow what’s really important, isn’t it?

Maybe we’re not selling our birthright like Esau, but perhaps we’re trading opportunities to nurture our faith for entertainment and self-indulgence.

To help navigate these challenges, here are a few practical steps can help us align our daily lives with our spiritual priorities:

Practical Steps to Stay on Track:

• • Set Priorities: Just as Esau needed to prioritize his birthright over a meal, we need to prioritize our spiritual inheritance. Determine what is truly important in your life and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
  • Limit Distractions: Evaluate the activities that consume your time. For Karissa, it was screen time. For others, it might be social media, TV, or other hobbies. Set limits on these activities and create boundaries that protect your time with God.
  • Create a Routine: Establish a daily routine that includes dedicated time for prayer, Bible study, and reflection. By making this a regular part of your day, it becomes a habit rather than an afterthought.
  • Reflect and Adjust: Regularly assess how you are spending your time and make adjustments as needed. Are there patterns that need to change? Are there new strategies you can implement to stay focused on your long-term spiritual goals?
  • Seek Accountability: Share your goals with a trusted friend or mentor who can help hold you accountable. Sometimes, knowing that someone else is aware of your intentions can provide the extra motivation needed to stay on track.

In closing, here’s a story that illustrates the importance of aligning our actions with the choices we’ve made:

One day in a small village in Italy, a young man approached a renowned violinist and asked how he could become a great musician. The violinist looked up at the boy and said, “The first thing you must do is practice for eight hours a day.”

With that, the young man was taken aback. “But I don’t have that much time,” he replied. “I have school, friends, and other activities.” 

The violinist smiled and said, “Then, the first thing you must do is decide how much you want to become a great musician.”

The point of the story is clear: our priorities reflect our true desires. In the same way that the young man had to decide how much he valued becoming a great musician, it might be time to ask ourselves how much we value the Lord. Don’t get me wrong, we all have busy days when time is running faster than we are. That doesn’t mean that we don’t love the Lord, but it could mean that we need to slow down and refocus.

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15, NIV)

This Week’s Printable

Here is this week’s printable. Click the image to view and print a higher resolution.

When you purchase a copy of the study guide, you’re actively supporting and strengthening our ministry as we spread the empowering message of the gospel to women across the globe!

We understand that not everyone can purchase the study guide, which is why we provide a printable version exclusively for those facing financial constraints. By subscribing below, you’ll unlock access to these downloadable materials. As part of our community, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the content at your own pace. Plus, as an added treat, you’ll receive periodic devotions from Time-Warp Wife, delivered directly to your inbox. Together, we can grow in faith and discover the abundant blessings of our shared journey. Join us in spreading the empowering message of the gospel to women all around the world.